Positions within this professional job family are assigned responsibilities for performing work associated with clinical and/or analytic laboratory testing.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

Perform laboratory tests of varying complexity using standard procedures on human, animal or environmental specimens/samples for the purpose of providing information for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of disease and/or surveillance and/or epidemiologic purposes

Assess potential problems that may arise in performance of testing and initiate appropriate action, as may be required.

Adhere to the laboratory's quality control policies, and periodically assess procedures and identify problems that may adversely affect test performance.

Prepare and maintain quality control materials to be used in laboratory testing.

Perform maintenance and function checks on electronic and mechanical equipment and other operations necessary for proper test performance and accurate and reliable laboratory test results and reporting.

Evaluate and document performance of individuals responsible for testing by direct observation of specimen/sample handling and test performance.

The Laboratory Scientist job family consists of four levels (basic, career, specialist and leadership) which are distinguished based on the complexity of assigned duties, the expertise required to complete various assignments, and the responsibility assigned for providing training, leadership and supervision to others.

Level I: Code: X14A Salary Band: J

This is the basic level of this job family where incumbents perform laboratory bench work related to a specific set of routine clinical and/or analytical laboratory tests while under close supervision.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of basic principles and practical applications of chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology and/or related laboratory specialties; and of the hazards of laboratory activities and related safety practices. Ability is required to perform basic microbiological, immunological, molecular and/or biochemical techniques; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to follow instructions and to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in biological or physical science, or a closely related field.

Level II: Code: X14B Salary Band: K

This is the career level of this job family where incumbents perform laboratory bench work related to a wide spectrum of routine clinical and/or analytic laboratory tests with the ability to work independently.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level I plus knowledge of modern laboratory analysis techniques of chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology and/or related laboratory specialties; and of principles of laboratory quality control. Ability is required to interpret laboratory tests, in context of controls and calibrators; to assess acceptability of specimens/samples for testing; to operate analytical equipment; to perform minor troubleshooting of test methods; and to review the work related to testing performed by other laboratory staff.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a master’s degree in biological or physical sciences, or a closely related field; OR a bachelor’s degree in biological or physical sciences, or a closely related field, plus two years of experience performing clinical and/or analytic laboratory testing.

Level III: Code: X14C Salary Band: L

This is the specialist level of this job family where incumbents perform laboratory bench work related to a wide variety of routine and specialized clinical and/or analytic laboratory tests with minimal supervision and may assist in components of the laboratory management program. At this level incumbents may train, assist and/or review the work of level I and II employees and other laboratory personnel as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level II plus the ability to collect and organize quality control data; and to train individuals in performance of testing methods.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a master’s degree in biological or physical sciences, or a closely related field, plus two years of experience performing clinical and/or analytic laboratory testing; OR a bachelor’s degree in biological or physical sciences, or a closely related field, plus four years of experience performing clinical and/or analytic laboratory testing.

Level IV: Code: X14D Salary Band: M

This is the leadership level of this job family where incumbents are assigned responsibilities involving the supervision of staff and operations of a clinical and/or analytic laboratory. Individuals at this level will provide training to other laboratory personnel, assist in performing laboratory testing and will complete routine laboratory administrative work.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level III plus knowledge of principles of supervision and training. Ability is required to supervise individuals within a laboratory, including task assignment, workflow, and scheduling; to create and write documents to reflect standard operating procedures; to plan, execute, and oversee an effective validation/verification process prior to implementation of all new laboratory testing; to plan, execute, and oversee an effective quality management program for the laboratory; and to provide effective consultation to healthcare providers and other agency officials.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a master's degree in biological or physical sciences, or a closely related field, plus four years experience performing clinical and/or analytic laboratory testing; OR a bachelor’s degree in biological or physical sciences, or a closely related field, plus six years of experience performing clinical and/or analytic laboratory testing.